Zhao Xintong has won the World Snooker Championship, defeating Mark Williams 18-12 in the final.

What happened?

The 28-year-old from Xi'an dominated the tournament, cutting a swathe through qualifying and the main stage.

He defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semi-final with a session to spare.

Why it matters for Zhao Xintong

Zhao's victory is a historic moment for Chinese snooker, with a market of 1.4 billion people.

Ding Junhui was long predicted to become the first Chinese world champion, but it is Zhao who takes the coveted mantle.

What comes next?

Zhao's talent and class on the table are without question, with his smoothness and attacking verve drawing comparisons to O'Sullivan.

He will be credited with popularizing snooker in China, where the sport is already huge.

And his victory will send shockwaves through the snooker world, with many predicting a bright future for the young Chinese star.

But for now, Zhao can bask in the glory of his historic win, which came on the back of a stunning performance.

He won 11-6 overnight, before taking three of the first four frames on Monday afternoon to move 14-7 ahead.

Williams fought back, but Zhao regrouped to win 18-12, with his opponent notching his first century of the final.

So Zhao's victory is a testament to his skill and dedication, and he will be hailed as a hero in China.

The final score was 18-12, with Zhao needing just a solitary frame for victory at one point.

He got over the line in comfortable fashion, although Williams did ensure there would be a fourth session.

And Zhao's win will be remembered as a historic moment in the world of snooker, with the young Chinese star announcing his arrival on the biggest stage.

But Zhao's journey to the top has not been easy, with the Chinese star facing tough competition along the way.

He has worked tirelessly to hone his skills, and his victory is a reward for his hard work.

The World Snooker Championship is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport, and Zhao's win is a major achievement.

He will be crowned the new world champion, and his name will go down in history alongside the greats of the sport.

And his victory will inspire a new generation of Chinese snooker players, who will look up to him as a role model.

The future of Chinese snooker looks bright, with Zhao leading the way.